Editorial | West risks regional stability by forcing nations to take sides
- Rising China sure to be on agenda as US President Joe Biden visits South Korea and Japan when Beijing is being portrayed in Washington and Europe as a growing threat
China is inevitably the underlying issue when the United States and European Union meet Asian counterparts. Communiques and statements at recent summits in Washington and Tokyo showed the nation was the underlying topic and it is bound to feature prominently when US President Joe Biden visits South Korea and Japan from Friday to Tuesday.
Beijing’s growing influence and economic and military strength are of concern, particularly for Washington as it tries to maintain its global standing. The strategy is about building alliances and creating divisions, a marked difference from Beijing’s approach, which is about good neighbourliness and cooperation.
There is nothing unusual about China’s foreign policy; it seeks to ensure good relations with neighbours.
That was apparent last week at the inauguration of South Korea’s new president, Yoon Suk-yeol, attended by Vice-President Wang Qishan, the highest-ranking Chinese official ever present at such an event in Seoul.
Wang said the nations were important cooperation partners and close neighbours with common interests and should strengthen communication and coordination.
It is a markedly different approach to that of the US and EU, which perceive China less as a partner than a rival and threat.
